We can access entertainment news twenty-four hours a day! Many television channels dedicate themselves solely to celebrity news. We can read about the lives of celebrities on the Internet, in the checkout line, even in daily papers. And you know the old saying, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity!”
In Jesus’ day, publicists, tabloids, and agents did not exist. So Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” I don’t think Jesus has a concern about ratings or celebrity rankings. He merely sets the stage for the next ques- tion! But the disciples quickly rattle off all the local “gossip” about their rabbi: “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” I imagine there is some fun in the conversation and that they all have a good laugh about some of the responses.
But then, Jesus shifts the conversation by saying something to this effect, “Well, that was fun; but who do you say that I am?” And, suddenly, the disciples confront a new reality. It’s not enough to know about Jesus; we are called to know Jesus. And Jesus desires that we know him deeply, intimately, and consis- tently. How will you answer Jesus’ question?
Whatever your response, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Today perhaps you need to have the courage to claim Jesus as Lord for the first time. Perhaps you need to reclaim Jesus as a priority relationship in your life. Whatever the answer, know that Jesus loves you unconditionally. Who do you say that Jesus is? What do you need from Jesus today?